Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls seems to be entering his prime.
The seventh year guard is coming off his very first all-star appearance this season.
Despite an all-star campaign, the Bulls missed out on the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
They believed that a playoff push was inevitable once they acquired all-star center Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic.
However, the Bulls faltered and missed the postseason.
Lavine is still searching for his first appearance in the playoffs.
Zach LaVine’s 411 games played without a playoff appearance is the longest drought for a current player in the entire league…
— Josh (@JoshJBullsHoops) May 26, 2021
The talent and production is all there, but not the results.
The question now comes into play whether or not Lavine is the right player to build around.
Is Lavine the star for Chicago?
The Numbers Say Yes
Statistically, Lavine has been great in the NBA.
He has averaged 20 plus points per game for three straight seasons now.
Over that same timeframe, he is shooting 47% from the field.
As a three point shooter, Lavine is elite at that skill, shooting 42% from three.
His numbers say that he is a fantastic player.
There has been improvements in each of the last three seasons.
'21: 27.4 PPG, 51% FG, 42% 3PT
'20: 25.5 PPG, 45% FG, 38% 3PT
'19: 23.7 PPG, 47% FG, 37% 3PTNext season is surely exciting again for Zach LaVine! 💪 pic.twitter.com/5x9Xs0kYKj
— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) May 23, 2021
Hopefully, he can continue to improve on his game and remain the star on this Bulls team.
If Not Lavine, Then Who?
The Bulls are not a team that is bad enough to tank for a potential franchise guy.
Lavine, and now Vucevic, are going to be good enough for a chance at the playoffs or play-in tournament.
He has shown that he is by far the best player on the team and that he can be an all-star.
If he is not the right star to build around, then who is?
It is hard to garner talent in the league without either tanking or being a big market team.
The Bulls are technically a big market team, but their owner does not treat them as such.
Lavine was acquired in the Jimmy Butler trade a few years ago, while he was looked at as a young prospect.
Now he is the man for this franchise.
Vucevic was the star in Orlando, but it didn’t work out.
Lavine should have a chance to be the star, now that he has a legit co-star on his side.
Teams want to build around an all-star.
The Bulls have one.
He is the Star, but be Careful
Lavine is definitely the right star for the Bulls.
However, he might not want to be on the team for very long.
His contract will be up after next season, and there is a great chance he enters the free agent market.
Rumors are already beginning to circulate about his desires and action that would allude to leaving the Bulls.
Zach LaVine has sold his mansion in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood for $3 million 💰💰💰
(Via @chicagotribune ) pic.twitter.com/Y7ymykP7JM
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) May 26, 2021
They have tried to win with him, but the Bulls have failed him at times.
He is their guy, but the losing might have finally gotten to him.
Next season will be a big indicator as to whether or not he is a goner.
The Bulls have to make sure they compete next season for them to keep their star player with the organization.
NEXT: Bulls Have Reportedly Offered New Contract To Key Player